Hyperlocal Tokyo

This time, I visited 'Ginza Hirayama' located in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. Since its establishment in 2011, they have been carefully selecting A5-rank Kuroge Wagyu fillet, prioritizing quality over origin. Among all the cuts, the fillet boasts the most delicate flavor, requiring meticulous attention to the grilling process. They slowly cook the meat over a charcoal kiln, allowing the fat to drip away. The far-infrared rays from the binchotan charcoal maximize the natural flavors of the meat, eliminating the need for salt and pepper. The tender, delicate texture and gentle taste create a completely new type of steak experience in Japan.

The filet mignon melts in your mouth, I could eat it all day long. The atmosphere is cozy and the wine is excellent. The price tag is pretty steep though... I can't go there often, haha. The only course offered is 44,000 yen, but if you have the filet (200g) and wine, it comes out to almost 90,000 yen per person. Considering the location, ambiance, and food, it's understandable...

The abalone and caviar were delicious. I had the 200g meat cut for me, and for the final rice course, I chose curry and butter rice. I was also able to enjoy a variety of desserts. It's a very flexible restaurant, and I was able to relax and take my time.

Across from the Shinbashi Enbujo (Kabuki theater), this upscale steakhouse is frequented by political heavyweights. While dinner prices are astronomical, lunch is manageable (with a little effort). The beef is top-notch, just as you'd expect. It's so flavorful that it doesn't need salt, pepper, or even a sauce. The meat is incredibly tender, with no hint of the usual beefy odor. A 100g serving disappears in an instant. The taste is surprisingly delicate, almost like seafood, making it perfect for even the most senior politicians. The accompanying side dishes, including the mushroom-like shiitake in the miso soup, the Kyoto-style pickled vegetables, and the garlic butter soy sauce rice, are all delicious. The wine prices are also reasonable.